Robert Goulet, the handsome, big-voiced baritone whose Broadway debut in "Camelot" launched an award-winning stage and recording career, has died. He was 73.

The singer died Tuesday morning in a Los Angeles hospital while awaiting a lung transplant, said Goulet spokesman Norm Johnson.

He had been awaiting a lung transplant at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles after being found last month to have a rare form of pulmonary fibrosis.

Goulet complained about feeling ill after singing Sept. 20 at a one-night performance of his one-man show, "The Man and His Music," at the Palace Theatre in Syracuse.

The event was part of the Loretto Legends Concert Series, a benefit for the Loretto Foundation.

Michael Connor, director of public relations for Loretto, said Goulet's death was a shock.

"His presence a month ago was wonderful: He sounded like he was 43, not 73," Connor said Tuesday night. "He sounded so strong, his vocals so powerful."

Loretto received a thank-you note from Goulet's wife, Vera Goulet, in early October. It made no mention of Goulet's illness, Connor said. When Loretto officials found out he was not well, they sent him a get-well e-mail.

"It makes his appearance even more special," Connor said. "His family is still in our thoughts and our prayers."